Mazda turns up heat with new 3 MPS

Photos: Stefan Baldauf

30th October 2008

The new Mazda 3 MPS is blossoming – and it’s no shrinking violet! These exclusive spy shots show the ultimate Mazda Performance Series model testing in Germany.

Power will come from the same 2.3-litre turbocharged engine as in the current car. That means around 260bhp, 0-60mph in about six seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

It will have looks to match, too. As you can see, the new hatch has big alloys, barely smaller than the wheelarches, and a gaping front air intake reminiscent of past Subaru Imprezas. A rear spoiler and full, sporty bodykit finish the look.

With the new Ford Focus RS and VW’s Golf GTI MkVI set to take the hot hatch class to dizzy heights when they arrive next year, the Mazda will leave nobody in any doubt about its impressive performance.

It has the same front-wheel-drive platform as the Focus, so should handle brilliantly. The finished car is set to debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. Sales start late in 2009, with prices from about £19,000.

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